News

We've opened a recruitment shop!

Accrington Sea Cadets invites local residents to visit their brand new recruitment shop in Accrington Town Centre to find more information about Sea Cadets and volunteering. Everyone is welcome to visit the shop, we are open every Saturday between 10am to 2pm and we’re located at the entrance of the Arndale Centre on Cornhill, Accrington. On Saturday 20September volunteers opened the shop to offer local residents, parents and young people the opportunity to find out what Sea Cadets do, and how they can join their local unit. They are invited to speak first hand to volunteers and cadets about joining the unit.

Every week, 30 Sea Cadets aged 10 – 18 attend their local unit and learn how to sail, kayak, canoe and row, as well as gain accredited qualifications which can help them further their careers in the maritime sector and beyond. The unit is run by volunteers, many of whom have been a cadet in the past, serviced time in the forces or are even parents of cadets who wish to be involved.

We have had an active role in the local community for over 50 years. As a result we have recruited hundreds of cadets and volunteers over the years to parade at remembrance days, but also packing bags at local superstores.

Madison (13) who has been a cadet at the unit for two years says: “I just wish the shop was open when I joined Sea Cadets. I was very nervous as I didn't know what to expect. At least now anybody who comes to the shop can ask all the questions they need before coming down to the unit so at least they are prepared.”

Accrington & District Commanding Officer S/Lt. Mark Thompson says: “This is an absolutely unique opportunity for us. This shop allows us to directly interact with potential new volunteers and cadets in a relaxed environment, but it also gives us a presence on the high street. Visitors can talk first hand to volunteers and cadets and find out exactly what they do and the impact it has on their lives.

We competed at the Area Rowing Regatta

We have represented the district in the Area rowing competition this year, at the Sir John Fisher Sailing Center in Barrow in Furness. We had 2 teams involved; Junior girls which consisted of NE Wilkinson, Cdt Bowker, Cdt Roper and Cdt Doody their coxswain for the event was OC O'Brien. The Open boys team consisted of OC Bowker, OC Smith-Porter, Cdt Burns and AC Kenyon with their coxswain being Cdt 1st Hannan.

Both teams did the unit and district proud facing some very good teams from the Area. Both the girls and boys teams placed first and second in both their heats but unfortunately did not get through to the finals to represent the Area in the national event. Needless to say the cadets thoroughly enjoyed the events - even if it was a long hot day!!!

District Rowing Competition

Armed Forces Day 2014

This years armed forces day celebration took place in Oswaldtwistle. The cadets marched through the town and attended a service outside of the war memorial. It was fantastic to see so much support on such an important day! Well Done

Thanks for your help!

A massive thank you to everyone who supported our stall at this year’s Oswaldtwistle Carnival. It was a fantastic day all round, the bustling atmosphere and the scorching weather made it a complete success. A lot of people showed a keen interest in our organisation, so we hope to see lots of new cadets starting in the coming weeks.

Thank you to all of the parents and supporters for organising the fundraising aspect of the stall. You did a fantastic job!

Cadets visit HMS Westminster

Several of our cadets visited Liverpool yesterday, for a tour around HMS Westminster, a Royal Navy Type 23 Frigate. This is just one of the exciting opportunities joining the Sea Cadets unlocks. It is a chance for our cadets to see a real life naval ship, chat with the crew and ask questions. The cadets had a fantastic time and we can’t wait for the next one!

Helping the RNLI

We have been in Accrington town centre today helping raise money for the RNLI. A fantastic charity which relies on the generosity of its supporters. Your donation helps the RNLI save 24 people a day across our UK coastline. Thank you if you supported them today!

We're preparing for the District Regatta

The rowing season is well under way. We currently have two really strong teams training for the district competition in three weeks. We hope all of the hard work and effort will pay off by going through to the Area competitions, or maybe even Nationals

We've launched our brand new safety boat!

We have launched our brand new Rigiflex Safety Boat equipped with a brand new 15HP outboard. The safety boat is an essential part of the training we do at our unit. Our new safety boat will enable us to continue the excellent work we do, and we hope it helps many more young people experience the excellent opportunities we offer.

District Rowing Course

Although the weather has been pretty poor, the cadets haven't let it dampen their spirits on this weekends boating activities. Their effort and motivation has been fantastic!!

Our boats are ship shape for the season

Our instructors have spent the day cleaning all of the boats ready for the boating season. They look like new!

Our annual presentation evening

Every year we host a presentation evening at the masonic hall in Clayton-le-moors. This is to recognise the outstanding amount of effort our cadets put in throughout the year. The cadet who is lucky enough to win the Cadet of the Year award is rewarded with, a weeks voyage on the Sea Cadets flagship T.S Royalist worth £300, completely free.

This year was the first time we performed a PT Display to the Sailor's Hornpipe. We think it was a great success!

A great story of how one of our cadets completely changed, since joining the Sea Cadets.

Article taken from the Lancashire Telegraph (Saturday, March 8, 2014)

A teenage tearaway has spoken about turning her life around after signing up to the Sea Cadets.Chloe Hannan was described as a ‘Tasmanian Devil who regularly threw temper tantrums’ until she joined Accrington Sea Cadets, who have awarded her the prestigious President’s Award.The 15-year-old Mount Carmel High School student, who lives with her family in Accrington, said joining a year ago was the best decision she has ever made. She said: “I was finding school hard because I had problems with anger and chose not to behave because I had no goals. But since I joined the Sea Cadets I want to join the Royal Navy as an officer, and I have a reason to push myself.”

Bag Packing in December

A massive thank you and well done to all the cadets, staff and parents who have helped at todays bag pack. All the money raised helps our unit to operate. Without these funds our unit couldn't function. It was a very long day but I'm sure it was worth it.

Remembrance Day 2013

On Remembrance Sunday the Sea Cadets paraded at Accrington. A service was held at Oakhill Park Cenotaph also a 2 minute silence was observed followed by wreath- laying. After the service had finished the Accrington Pipe Band, Royal British Legion and Cadet Forces paraded past the Town Hall.

Trafalgar Dinner 2013

We would like to say a big thank you to all 85 guests who supported us at our annual Trafalgar Dinner. 2013’s was our biggest yet. Our treasurer has finished counting all the pennies and we raised a HUGE £1007. We couldn’t have raised such a large figure without the support of our evening’s diners. Our Trafalgar dinner is our biggest fundraising event of the year. We hope you enjoyed it so much that we see you again next year.

The official photographer has published the pictures from our dinner online. Take a look there are some great photos on there.

£560 raised from Asda Bag Pack!

We would like to say a huge well done to everyone who attended our bag packing event at the Accrington Asda both cadets and committee members did extremely well. The money we have raised will be put towards things such as the general running of the unit, new equipment and also funds towards our new unit!

Summer Camp

In July we sent 15 of our cadets to Holcombe Moor, Bury on their annual summer camp. The cadets enjoyed an action packed week which involved sailing, first aid, powerboating and much more.

Great Harwood Show

Many thanks, for your help at the show, if the weather had held we may have done better with the fund raising but as usual it rained. Despite that we all had a good day together, raised our profile in the community, promoted The Sea Cadets to any possible new recruits – so let’s see if any new ones turn up in the near future. We also raised at total of £150.50 on the day.

Battle of Atlantic Parade - Liverpool

Four of our cadets attended the Battle of Atlantic parade this weekend to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic and honour the role the city and its citizens. The Liverpool waterfront and city centre will come alive with a wealth of activities including a veterans parade, a special band concert by Her Majesty’s Royal Marines at the Philharmonic Hall

Mayors Parade - Accrington

Mayors parade in Accrington this morning. Colours on show and the unit looking fantastic as always.

Flag Day - Accrington

Thank you for your support! We raised £467.47 at our flag day on Saturday. A massive thank you to all of our cadets and supporters. We couldn't HAVE done it without you!

We're Boating Again!

Poppy Selling at Tesco

Accrington Sea Cadets helped raise money for the Poppy Appeal this weekend (3rd November). Tesco customers had the honour of having their bags packed by one of our cadets. We also sold poppy over the weekend at Tesco. More News to come

First Burgee in 40 years!

On Monday 15th October we received our unit review. This is when our District Officer visits our unit. They run a full inspection of our administration and training records. This is to ensure that every Sea Cadet Unit is training at a consistently high standard. If a unit is running above the average standard they are awarded a unit efficiency pennant for that year. We have received one of these awards for the past five years. However 2012 put a stop to that. In 2012 we have constantly tried to better our previous inspection scores, we have sent staff on instructors courses, cadets on training courses, and attended more competitions. This extra effort has certainly paid off as we have been award a Burgee. The Burgee is the highest award that can be awarded to a Sea Cadet Unit in recognition of the hardwork of the Volunteers, Cadets and UMC. We haven’t received a Burgee in 40 years. So this is fantastic news for us. We are so pleased. Well Done team for your hardwork.

Annual Trafalgar Charity Dinner

On Saturday 20th October Accrington Sea Cadets hosted their annual charity mess dinner at Adelaide suite, Accrington. This fundraising event is to commemorate Lord Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. It was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Hyndburn and Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire followed by an after dinner guest speaker Stephen Lowe, a radio presenter for BBC Radio Lancashire. The night was a complete success, and managed to raise much needed funds for our unit. The cadet responsible for ensuring the event ran smoothly was Leading Cadet Poppy Hester. She was also presented with the Trafalgar award and personalised boatswains call as a token of appreciation for her efforts on the night as Quartermaster.

Area Swimming Competition

Well done to four of our cadets who have represented North East Lancs at this years area swimming competition. Without the help of our cadets, our district wouldn't have come third in the North West. The gala was held at the Palatine Leisure Centre in Blackpool. It was an exciting day and fantastic results. Well Done!

Fantastic results at this years Swimming Gala

On 23rd September we entered a full team of cadets into the North East Lancs district swimming gala. Overall we ended up coming 2nd out of 9 units. This is a great result and will help place Accrington Sea Cadets back on the map. 3 of our girls are now representing North East Lancs at the area gala in Blackpool in October. Well done everybody who participated you are a credit to the unit. A big thank you to all of the parents and supporters for providing support and transport.

We're affiliated - HMS Victorious

We are now officially affiliated with HMS Victorious, a Vanguard Class submarine. We visited the submarine in May. During our visit the Officer in Charge of Starboard Crew presented our First Lieutenant with a plaque to mark this fantastic occasion for Accrington Sea Cadets.

HMSVictorious is the second Vanguard-class submarine of the Royal Navy. Victorious carries the Trident ballistic missile, the UK's nuclear deterrent.

Victorious was built at Barrow-in-Furness by Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd (now BAE Systems Submarine Solutions), was launched in September 1993, and commissioned in January 1995

Armed Forces Day

We took part in our local Armed Forces Day at Clayton-le-moors. It was a great turn out from our cadets. They looked really smart.

It's an opportunity to do two things. Firstly, to raise public awareness of the contribution made to our country by those who serve and have served in Her Majesty's Armed Forces, Secondly, it gives the nation an opportunity to Show Your Support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families and from veterans to cadets.

Summer Camp 2012 - NW Area - Holcombe Moor, Bury

Launch of our two new Trinity 500 Rowing Boats

Yesterday saw the launch of our two new Trinity 500’s. The cadets were really excited to use the new boats which were purchased earlier in the year. It is a little different to current pulling boats being plastic, meaning it should last longer. It is also longer and thinner and so should be faster but a little less stable. We have brand new oars and fittings as well. We hope get them qualifications and get them out there to competitions winning some trophies for the unit as a team.

Queen visits Accrington

The Queen visited Accrington on 16th May, our Sea Cadets lined the streets and participated in a huge parade for her majesty. The cadets looked really smart and are a credit to our unit and the Sea Cadets. Well Done

Article taken from The Lancashire Telegraph

‘JUST fantastic’ was the Queen’s verdict on her visit to Accrington yesterday.

Her Majesty was clearly bowled over by the rapturous welcome she received from thousands of people who had lined the towns streets.

And as she stepped out of her official car, the massed crowds erupted with applause.

Enjoy Saturday Night – with a difference. The Lancashire Fusiliers Association Band will be performing a variety of music to suit everyone’s taste from Hymnal to Military to Modern.?Supported by Accrington Pipe Band to make this truly a night to remember.

All funds raised to benefit the work of Accrington Sea Cadets – a registered charity.

Presentation Night 2011

Well Done to all of our cadets who attended this years presentation night. Every single cadet should be proud of themselves, even if they didn't receive an award. Well Done to the following people:

Cadet of the Year - Poppy HesterBest Dressed Cadet - Thomas HighamPresidents Award - Jessica GerkenTrafalgar Award - Thomas HighamNew Entry of the Year - John UnsworthJunior Cadet of the Year - James Winchester

Well Done to all members of Accrington Sea Cadets for getting a unit efficiemcy pennant this year.

Sea Cadet wins Award

Article taken from : Lancashire Evening Telegraph

A FIFTEEN-year-old girl from Clayton-le-Moors looks destined for a career in the Navy — after scooping a Sea Cadets award.

Poppy Hester, who lives in Whalley Road, has won the Harry Green Memorial Trophy for her contribution to the local community.

The prize, from the Rishton branch of the Royal British Legion, is awarded to the best cadet in the community.

Mum, Donna Hester, said: “We are very proud of her, but she kept it quiet. It was actually somebody else that told us.

“She can be quite shy and laid back, but I know she will be very proud inside. She would probably say that somebody else deserved it.”

We're on the ball !

On Sunday 4th December combined Accrington and Chorley Sea Cadet teams won North East Lancashire District 5-a-side football. Both Junior and Senior Boy teams won all matches beating Rochdale, Bury, Middleton and Chadderton Sea Cadet units. The teams now face other units in North West Area football competition. They will be competing against teams from Liverpool, Manchester and Cheshire. Great support was given by spectators, both Accrington and Chorley played extremely well as a team even though the players had never met prior to the match.

Next year we would like to have full Accrington teams however this relies on enthusiastic young people to join and boost our numbers.

110km Rowing Challenge

On Saturday 26th November, Accrington Sea Cadets held a sponsored row at Accrington’s Market Hall. It involved cadets, adult volunteers and parents using rowing machines to help reach our goal of 110km. The effort every single person put in was phenomenal. The event has raised over £800 pounds which will go towards purchasing a new Trinity 500, which is the new standard boat used across the Sea Cadets. This boat will help all cadets and staff gain extra qualifications and provide a training boat for the rowing regattas in summer.

Remembrance Weekend

On Saturday 12th November Sea Cadets helped the Royal British Legion poppy appeal with a bag pack in Tesco, Accrington. Sea Cadets were also stationed at Arndale Centre collecting for the poppy appeal. Combined with collections throughout the week at Town Hall, Tesco and Rhyddings Business and Enterprise School the Sea Cadets have raised lots of money for the poppy appeal.

On Remembrance Sunday the Sea Cadets paraded at Accrington. A service was held at Oakhill Park Cenotaph also a 2 minute silence was observed followed by wreath- laying. Accrington Sea Cadets formed a guard on the cenotaph. After the service had finished the Accrington Pipe Band, Royal British Legion and Cadet Forces paraded past the Town Hall. The service and parade were filmed by TV crew creating a documentary on the Accrington Pals. We also sent an armed guard to the remembrance service in Clayton-le-moors. There was around Three Hundred people attended the event in Clayton.

Lest we Forget

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning.

We will remember them.

Every Little Helps!

Members of Accrington Sea Cadets have been collecting money for the Poppy Appeal every day this week (7-11 November) at the Accrington Tesco. It has been a great success. Thank you to everyone who has showed their support.

Poppy Selling - Accrington Stanley

On Saturday 5th November Accrington Sea Cadets paraded at Accrington Stanley Football with Accrington Air Training Corps. Cadets lined the pitch as the players walked on escorted by British Legion Standards. A minute silence was observed by spectators of Accrington Stanley and Bristol Rovers. Cadets also collected donations before the match and during half-time on behalf of the Royal British Legion. Cadets then watched Accrington Stanley beat Bristol Rovers 2-1.

Dedication of the New Accrington Railway Station

On Sunday 6th November, three representatives from Accrington Sea Cadets attended a service at the new railway station. A two minute silence was observed, this was then followed by one of our cadets and several other representatives laying wreaths in memory of past and present soldiers.

Juniors had a great weekend!

On the 4th November all of our juniors stayed over at the unit to have a fun weekend. This included a visit to Hawarth Art Gallery, along with completing various fun/party activities throughout the weekend. The Junior Cadets really enjoyed the weekend and are looking forward to having another one early in the new year.

Trafalgar Parade - Manchester

On 22nd October we also attended the Trafalgar Parade in Manchester. The parade is held every year to commemorate Lord Nelson. Two hundred cadets paraded through the city centre, finishing the parade at Manchester’s Town Hall. At the town hall the cadets were inspected along with a 24 cadet armed guard. The Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr. Elaine Bois, Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Warren J. Smith JP DLitt LLD and the Sea Cadets North West Area Officer Lt Col John R Davies MCGI RM inspected and greeted the cadets.

Trafalgar Dinner - Adelaide Suite, Accrington

On 15th October Accrington Sea Cadets hosted a Trafalgar Dinner at Adelaide Suite Accrington,it was attended by Mayor of Hyndburn Cllr. Collette McCormack, Mayoress of Hyndburn Sandra Byrne, High Sheriff of Lancashire Peter Mileham DL and Guest Speaker Robert Heys, Chief Executive of Accrington Stanley along with 70 other guests, it was a traditional naval mess dinner accompanied by live music with 3 courses, the final course being a Nelson Trilogy . Cadets and staff of Adelaide suite also wore period naval dress. The dinner was followed by Nelson's Toast and our Guest Speaker. Guests enjoyed the evening and several wish to bring family and friends to next year’s event.

You can view all the photos of this spectacular evening by visiting Ikam99.co.uk where you can purchase a photo if you wish.

Everything is 'ship shape' at this years RNP

On 12th September Accrington Sea Cadets had their Royal Naval Parade. Each year a senior member of the Royal Navy inspects the unit. The Royal Navy ensure cadets are trained in a safe environment by highly qualified adult volunteers and are achieving their maximum potential.

Unit Summer Camp

This year we took 20 cadets down to Portsmouth on our annual summer camp. The cadets lived onboard H.M.S. BRISTOL. Throughout the week all the cadets completed various qualifications like Sailing, Powerboating and Rowing. They were also taken on days out to the Water Fun Centre and Action Stations, along with various other interesting museums visits. Well done everyone for a tiring but exciting fun week!.

Cadets complete 65km Sponsored Bike Ride

From Blackpool to Accrington.

Some of our cadets took park in a sponsored bike ride. The event was really successful and we have raised well over £400 for our unit. The cadets put in so much effort and are a credit to the unit. When they returned to the unit they were welcomed with a buffet lunch. I would like to take the time to thank everyone involved, from the transport at the start to the catering right at the end without all the help it wouldn't be as much of a success. Thanks

Fire Station Visit

In July our junior cadets visited Accrington Fire Station. The visit included a brief lesson on fire safety, and then the juniors were given a demonstration on how manuverable the rescue crane was. The cadets were lucky enough to have a ride in it too. They then had time to perfect their fire fighting tactics by trying to hit a football off a cone using the fire hoses. To end the visit they were given a full tour of a Fire Engine. It was a really interesting trip. Thanks to Accrington Fire Station.

Cadets Go Ape!

In July we took 12 cadets on a Reward Trip to Go Ape! in Grizedale Forest. GoApe is a High Wire tree top adventure. Cadets were only given the option to attend the trip if they showed commitment out of our standard parade times i.e. by attending Community Fairs, Civic Parades and Fundraising Events. They really enjoyed themselves, and the staff were shocked at how enthusisatic the cadets were. We are currently planning another reward trip as it helps bring our already close team even closer.

Royal Navy Presentation

A Petty Officer from the Royal Navy visited our unit to give a presentation on the options available when choosing a career in the Royal Navy eith as a Rating or Officer. The cadets thought it was really interesting. Thanks for taking the time to visit.

District Pulling Competition

We sent some cadets to Scotsmans Flash in Wigan to take part in the District Pulling Competition. The weather was scorching, the cadets were great. A success all round, Well Done!

Junior Cadets Afloat!

On Monday we took our Junior Cadets out Rowing for the first time. They were taught Water Safety, How to put on a Buoyancy Aid and a Basic level of Rowing. We were impressed at how well and quickly they got the hang of Rowing. We aim to get our juniors out on the water at least once a week as we like our cadets to enjoy their time here. Well Done Juniors keep it up!

Armed Forces Day Parade - 25th June

We attended the Armed Forces Day Parade in Great Harwood. We parade our Unit Colour, Standard, Armed Guard and Our Ships Company. Everyone looked very smart and are a credit to our unit.

We went Football Crazy! – Accrington Carnival

We entered a float in Accrington’s Community Carnival. The float was decorated on a football theme with all of our cadets dressed as either cheerleaders or footballers. Everyone had an amazing time and can’t wait for the next one! Well done everyone!

A big thanks to Seaways Services Ltd for providing this year’s wagon and trailer it is much appreciated.

Top Marks for Accrington Sea Cadet

Article taken from Lancashire Telegraph.

An ACCRINGTON Sea Cadet has been named the country’s best after achieving the top exam marks nationally two years on the run. Petty Officer Cadet Megan Duxbury, from Clayton-Le-Moors, was awarded the Cornwell Medal for leadership skills in her cadet examinations. Last year the 18-year-old was awarded the Pollock Memorial Prize for similarly excellent marks.